2V Piani delle betulle-Cresta di Biandino

This route is high in the mountains between Costa di Biandino and Cimone di Margno in the Valsassina pre-Alps in the province of Lecco. The route begins at Piani delle Betulle, a small mountain resort in Alta Valsassina, in the municipality of Margno at 1501 m asl surrounded by the mountains of Lake Como and still inhabited year-round by a small group of residents. The Pian delle Betulle can be reached in 5 minutes by cable car from Margno (info times and costs at www.pianidibobbio.com), or in 15 minutes on foot from Alpe di Paglio where there is a parking lot. Starting by bike with some challenging climbs along an agrosilvopastoral road, the route continues on a midslope to Alpe Ortighera and Burnt Larch. This stretch of road offers spectacular views of the Valsassina and the mountains of the Grigne Group. From the Bocchetta di Olino, continue following the trail pointing to the ridge, slowly climbing very steep sections so it may be necessary to push the mountain bike by hand until you reach the Bocchetta di Agoredo. From this point, follow the trail along the Biandino ridge on the coast. Here the trail has steep inclines and has a few hairpin bends; it continues up the coast to 1930 meters at Laghitt, which is dominated by a small chapel overlooking Valvarrone and a picnic area where you can stop and admire the view of Val Biandino and Pizzo dei Tre Signori. Along the route it is possible to refuel with water only in the first part of the route. Ascent by ebike is recommended, without motor assistance this route can prove extremely challenging in the steepest sections.

A new cycle network has been created in the Upper Lake Como area. There are 23 routes in two large areas along the lake's shores, for a total of 380 kilometers. Two routes are for beginners, 10 for intermediates, 8 for advanced cyclists, and 3 for experts. The difficulty scale and route tracking were verified by CAI experts, and an international evaluation standard was adopted in agreement with the Lombardy Region.

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Along the routes, there are many panoramic points where you can admire the stunning beauty of Lake Como. The app provides all the information you need to safely navigate the routes, including directions to equipped areas, places of art and culture to visit, and events scheduled in the towns along the chosen route. You can also watch videos of the best panoramic views.

THE CYCLE ROUTES OF THE WESTERN NORTH LAKE COMO - There are 8 new routes at mid-mountain and high altitude, for a total length of 134 kilometers. The routes connect to existing connections between mountain towns and lakeside towns, where there is already a cycle path. The routes start in Sorico and pass through Montemezzo, Vercana, Trezzone, Livo, Peglio, Dosso del Liro, Gravedona ed Uniti, Stazzona, Dongo, Garzeno, Pianello del Lario, Musso, and end in Cremia.

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THE CYCLE ROUTES IN THE VALSASSINA - There are 15 routes that allow you to climb from the lake to the Valsassina and Valvarrone, taking advantage of the trails on Mount Legnoncino; the loop circuits in the North Valsassina; the connections with the Valsassina cycle path; and the routes of the Val d'Esino.

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WHAT ARE INTERNAL AREAS AND THE "UPPER LAKE COMO AND VALLI DEL LARIO" STRATEGY? - The "North Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy was launched in 2018 as part of the National Strategy for Internal Areas 2014/2020. It involved 31 municipalities in the Valsassina, Valvarrone, Val d'Esino, and Riviera (Lecco) communities and the Valli del Lario and Ceresio communities (Como). The National Strategy for Internal Areas (SNAI) is a strategic plan designed to enhance and develop internal areas, which are often characterized by challenges such as depopulation, lack of services, and fewer economic opportunities. The goal is to promote the sustainable development of these areas by investing in infrastructure, services, the local economy, and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. The "Upper Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy, implemented in the period 2018/2023, has made it possible to implement 31 projects for a total of 20 million euros, of which 5,285,000 euros were used to promote interventions to recover and enhance the heritage and to strengthen the cycle and hiking routes between the lake and the valleys.

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